Medical fitness
The following statement appears on all Mike Ball Dive Expedition 'Booking Form':

I state that I am in good health for diving. I have no medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma or epilepsy, neither am I an insulin dependent diabetic. I will not dive on your expedition if I am feeling unwell or I have a chest cold or respiratory congestion on the expedition. I understand if I have any medical condition contrary to these requirements I must produce a diving medical certificate completed by a diving medical specialist.

You are authorized to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. I agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf which may be charged against my credit card. I will bring proof of my diver medivac insurance or purchase it on arrival. DAN 30-day Travel Assist - Evacuation cover available on arrival. (This covers evacuation not treatment).

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Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol is discouraged until after your last dive for the day.

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Depth Guidelines
Depth guidelines are based on the diver’s experience and industry standards. The maximum recommended depth for divers with appropriate experience is 40 metres (132ft). Dives in excess of 40 metres (132ft) to a maximum of 50 metres (165ft) can only be undertaken by divers with a minimum experience of 100 dives with 25 deeper than 30 metres (100ft) including one to a depth within 3 metres of dive being undertaken.

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Equipment
Air and Nitrox cylinder valves are compatible with US yoke regulators ( UK A clamp) not the European DIN regulators. All divers require an alternative air source, safety sausage and whistle. A dive light plus back up light or chemical light sticks are required for night dives.

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Flying after Diving
As designated by your computer.
To avoid decompression sickness, wait an appropriate amount of time before flying, as indicated by your computer, or alternatively PADI's "Flying After Diving" recommendations are:
For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits
Single Dives - a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
Repetitive Dives and/or Multi-day Dives - a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
For Dives Requiring Decompression Stops
Minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.

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Guided Dives
Most of our guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. Single divers are teamed up with other singles and with our staff. It is not our policy for all dives to be dive master led. We cater to guests who prefer more supervision with a combination of complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills, a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and the opportunity to dive with our staff on an ad hoc basis. This service does not provide constant guided dives or a personal dive guide.

Personal Dive Guides	- Daily Dive Guide (4-5 dives per day).
	- Per-Dive Guide (approx 2 dives per day). Available on most expeditions subject to staff availability.
	- Price

Note: Please request at the time of booking!

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Jellyfish
As in all oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef , there are a variety of jellyfish (also known as 'stingers'). The majority of stings that can be inflicted by jellyfish such as hair jellyfish (Cyanea sp.), blubbers (Catostylus sp.) and bluebottles (Physalia sp.) can be irritable to painful but can be prevented by wearing a "Stinger Suit."

The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) may be present in North Queensland from November to May/June and are found along the coast and estuaries. These stings can cause fatalities in extreme cases however with the right prevention and medical treatment the risk is minimal. There is also a box jellyfish commonly known as 'Irukandji jellyfish' (Carukia barnesi) one of a series of species that can give rise to 'Irukandji Syndrome'. Fortunately the stings are rarely life threatening, but medical aid must always be sought as soon as possible. Immediate first aid is to wash the area with vinegar and seek medical assistance.

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Junior Divers - Age 10 to 14 years (15yr+ junior diver depth limits are the same as the non junior certification)
- Junior Diver Certification not available,
- Please review Rental Equipment Sizes (we recommended children bring their own equipment),
- Junior divers requiring supervision are charged a ‘Dive Guide' fee,
- Participation on some dives may be prevented due to conditions,
- Junior diver depth restrictions are not compatible with Coral Sea conditions.

	Age	Depth	Conditions
Junior Scuba Diver	10-14 years	12 meters (40ft)	Must dive with an instructor. Includes rental equipment (see note above) and one dive per day; extra dives $50 each.
Junior OWD & Jnr. Adventure OWD	10-14 years	12 meters (40ft)	<12 yrs, first dive with an instructor, subsequent dives with: parent/guardian or Dive Master/Instructor. >12yrs can dive with adult (18yrs+).
Junior Advanced OW Diver	12-14 years	21 meters (70ft)	>12yrs can dive with adult (18yrs+).

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Rebreather
Currently Mike Ball Dive Expeditions does not offer a full rebreather service. A limited rebreather service is offered to qualified rebreather supervisors who bring their own equipment. If diving with a buddy who is not using a rebreather the dive time and dive depth will be determined by the buddy who has the most conservative limits with regard to air, depth and time. Rebreathers may not be used in conjunction with the Safe Solo Diving program.

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Safe Scuba System
Dive site selection is based on the best dive sites available. Less experienced divers receive complimentary "orientation dives" as necessary while experienced divers are given the freedom to plan their own dives.

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Snorkelling
Fly Dive Cod Hole itinerary - Sites are suitable for competent snorkel divers.

Fly Dive Coral Sea itinerary - The first day of the itinerary is suitable for snorkelling. Note: we do not provide suitable sites or supervision for snorkelling in the Coral Sea.

Coral Sea Safari - Snorkelling limited to Ribbon Reef sites, Coral Sea sites not suitable.

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Solo Diving
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Safe Solo requirement:
Minimum age: 18 years if dive master certified or 21 years with proof of 100 dives with 5 in the last 12 months.

Equipment Required:	Skill Evaluation:
- Redundant air system (minimum 6 cubic feet).	- Surface snorkel 100 meters wearing scuba and be familiar with use.
- Safety sausage.	- Demonstrate use of safety sausage.
- Dive light on dive if within 2 hours of dusk.	- Navigate 100 meters at 5 meters with 75% accuracy.
- Dive knife and compass.	- Hover at 5 meters for 3 minutes, clear mask.
	- Slowly surface using redundant air source.

Rent pony bottle unit - see prices.

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Unlimited Diving
Most divers do 2 morning, 2 afternoon plus a night dive most nights. Normally we have an ‘open deck’ at a single site in the morning and visit 2 sites in the afternoon - this may be reversed. Special Minke Whale expeditions include a minimum of 9 dives plus snorkeling.